Govt to share real-time environment data, 'no need to call minister'
Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said his ministry is ready to release real-time environmental data to gain public trust, in accordance with the prime minister’s efforts to set up the Freedom of Information Act.
“The ministry will embody the motive of the Act even before it is passed... all monitoring data under the ministry will be made accessible to the public.”
He noted that whenever environmental issues arise, public suspicion over government explanations and investigation data often hinders policy progress.
“Every time people say, ‘It has exceeded the limit’, and I tell them, ‘No, it hasn’t’, they reply, ‘Then go put it behind your house’. It makes the debate very difficult to continue.
“As the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry, I believe data is paramount. We will announce all data for everyone; for example, the safe level and the dangerous level.
“All of the data we release will be in real-time. For example, we will launch a platform in the upcoming months for the public to access the data any time; they don’t have to call the minister.”
Platform to boost transparency
The minister also added that the government plans to be more proactive in data transparency to help the public understand environmental indicators and build trust.
This, he said, is crucial for future policy deliberations on sensitive industries like rare earths and nuclear energy.
“Moving forward, we may encounter sensitive industries, such as rare earths and nuclear power. We will eventually need to discuss whether or not to proceed with these.
“Ultimately, what matters is whether we can establish public trust and whether they can access authentic, real-time data. I believe these are essential.”
Focus on radiation monitoring
Using the example of the Fukushima treated wastewater, which began discharging in 2023, Chang noted that the Malaysian government responded to public concern by installing five Gamma Spectrum Water Monitoring Stations to monitor real-time radiation levels in national waters.
“We need to ensure there are no fluctuations in radiation levels, and in fact, there have been none so far.
“When people ask, I say there is no radiation, but they always say, ‘Show me the data’. Therefore, I believe we should provide a platform where everyone can access it.
“If they want to read the data, they can find out anytime because it is updated in real-time,” said the minister.
Additionally, Chang emphasised that his ministry currently operates eight Environmental Radiation Monitoring Systems.
This includes sensors placed inside the Lynas rare earth plant and at its permanent disposal facility site, both of which are located near Kuantan in Pahang. All related data will be uploaded to the platform for public access.
“We have sensors inside and outside the Lynas plant, so we have a grasp of real-time data.
“But of course, public trust is the most important factor. That is why we conduct this radiation monitoring system; in fact, we are already doing it now.”
